Leverkusen exit Europa League

Bayer Leverkusen 0-0 Roma (agg: 0-1)

Leverkusen were perhaps a little sluggish at the Stadio Olimpico last week but, needing a victory to at least force extra-time on home soil, they flew out of the blocks and dominated the first half. Roma, meanwhile, had little incentive to attack their opponents while in possession of an aggregate lead, and sat back in an attempt to frustrate the hosts. As such, gilt-edged chances were few and far between, but that did not stop Leverkusen from testing the Italians on numerous occasions. Kerem Demirbay was particularly dangerous, forcing Rui Patricio into three saves, while Sardar Azmoun was also denied by the Portuguese goalkeeper, although his shot was straight at him. The best chance of the opening period, though, fell to Moussa Diaby who, despite pushing himself wide with a heavy touch when played in behind the backline, rattled the crossbar. No goal at the break for Xabi Alonso's men, then, but plenty for them to build upon after the interval.

Following the restart, Leverkusen continued to dominate the ball against the Giallorossi. Still, though, they struggled to work their way into the penalty area, instead having to generally make do with efforts from distance besides an Azmoun header that was well held by Patricio. The latter was again required to get down low and deny a fierce Demirbay drive, while Jonathan Tah's attempt was only deflected inches beyond the post. Next to try his luck was striker Azmoun, but he dragged his shot wide of the woodwork on one of the few occasions Leverkusen were able get closer to the goal. Jose Mourinho's men were solid defensively, but Leverkusen troubled them throughout and were desperately unlucky not to at least level the tie. Their attention must now turn to the remaining two Bundesliga matchdays, in which they will attempt to secure qualification for the next edition of this tournament.

Match stats

• Both of Leverkusen's defeats in European semi-finals have now come against Italian opposition (they were defeated by Parma in the 1994/95 UEFA Cup's final four.
• This was Leverkusen's first continental semi-final since 2002, when they defeated Manchester United on away goals in the UEFA Champions League.
• Alonso's men have now scored just twice in their last five outings in all competitions.
• Leverkusen have now lost each of their last six competitive matches against Italian clubs.
• Despite being just 20 years of age, only six players have made more appearances in the Europa League than Florian Wirtz.
• Although no German club will win the competition this season, they have triumphed on seven previous occasions.

CONFIRMED teams

Leverkusen: Hradecky (c) - Tapsoba, Tah (Amiri 86'), Hincapie - Frimpong, Palacios (Hlozek 80'), Demirbay, Bakker (Adli 73')- Wirtz, Diaby - Azmoun
Unused subs: Pentz, Lomb, Hudson-Odoi, Fosu-Mensah, Azhil, Aourir
Out: Andrich (ankle), Kossounou (thigh), Lunev (back), Schick (groin)
Coach: Xabi Alonso

Roma: Rui Patricio - Mancini, Cristante, Ibanez - Celik (Smalling 78'), Bove, Matic, Spinazzola (Zalewski 34') - Belotti (Wijnaldum 46'), Abraham, Pellegrini (c)
Unused subs: Boer, Svilar, Karsdorp, Camara, Dybala, Missori, Volpato, Tahirovic, El Shaaraway
Out: Kubulla (cruciate ligament), Llorente (muscle)
Coach: Jose Mourinho

As it happened

Bayer Leverkusen were defeated 1-0 by Roma at the Stadio Olimpico in the first leg of their UEFA Europa League semi-final, but still have at least 90 minutes at the BayArena to turn the tie around.

Roma 1-0 Bayer Leverkusen
Goals: 1-0 Bove 62'

As Germany's final representative in European competition this season, Leverkusen travelled to the Italian capital with hopes of extending their journey in the continental tournament. Victory over the two legs would see Die Werkself progress to a first UEFA Cup/Europa League final since they lifted the trophy in 1988, and they came close to taking the lead within 42 seconds when Robert Andrich placed a low shot just wide of the post. In a busy start to proceedings, Florian Wirtz embarked on a mazy run, including a clever one-two with Adam Hlozek, before also shooting wide of the target, while Lukas Hradecky produced a vital stop to deny Roger Ibanez at the other end. After that initial flurry, though, chances were at a premium for the rest of the first half. Instead, players from both sides suffered injuries, with Odilon Kossounou's issue even forcing him from the field of play to be replaced by Mitchel Bakker.

Leverkusen started the second period on the front foot, controlling possession albeit without troubling Rui Patricio between the Roma sticks. However, shortly after the hour mark, they found themselves behind. Edoardo Bove was goalscorer, firing past Hradecky and into the bottom corner after the Finland international did well to parry Tammy Abraham's initial effort. A few minutes later, the Bayer captain had to be alert once again to deny Andrea Belotti as the Giallorossi looked to extend their advantage. The goal was a blow for Xabi Alonso's side considering they had looked comfortable at 0-0. Jeremie Frimpong had his team's best opportunity to level the tie, but was unable to drive the pall bast Bryan Cristante on the line after Patricio had fumbled a high cross. Leverkusen must now beat Roma at the BayArena on 18 May, if they're to have any chance of emulating Bundesliga rivals and Europa League holders Eintracht Frankfurt.